El Expreso de la Robla is a wonderful air-conditioned vintage train that meanders through the picturesque countryside and coast of northern Spain, allowing guests to sample the traditions and glamour of the El Transcantábrico route. The journey offers all the nostalgia of bygone train travel alongside every modern amenity.
Each morning, after a self-service breakfast taken on board, a coach and guide await at each destination to escort guests to the most interesting towns and heritage sites along the route. Delicious lunches are served at regional restaurants, and at night the train rests stationary at stations so passengers enjoy a peaceful sleep after an evening of local cuisine and nightlife. What a relaxed way to explore the rugged, mountainous coastline of northern Spain.
Gallery
Accommodation
Compartments. Each cabin has upper and lower berths, wardrobe, luggage carrier, reading light, air conditioning, stereo and telephone, and a small en-suite with a hydro-massage shower, hair dryer, wash basin and toilet. Please note this is a narrow-gauge railway and passengers over six feet tall may find the beds somewhat short.
Lounges. Three elegant lounges offer bar service, decorated in a classic Spanish vintage style. Guests enjoy breakfast here and can relax with a drink while gazing through panoramic windows at the spectacular passing scenery. Daily newspapers, magazines, a library, video library and television are all available.
Itineraries
Choose the journey that calls to you. Each itinerary may be reserved through our concierge.
La Robla – Bilbao to León
+
Departing Bilbao's beautiful Belle Époque La Concordia station, this three-day journey traverses the mountains of Burgos and Palencia, visiting cascading waterfalls, the Romanesque Route of Castile, Roman mosaics, and the magnificent cathedral city of León.
Day 1 – Bilbao to Espinosa de los Monteros
Baggage collection from 14:00 at La Concordia station, one of Bilbao's 1902 Belle Époque heritage buildings. At 15:00 a welcome talk is held on board before El Expreso de La Robla departs for Espinosa de los Monteros. By coach, guests visit the medieval town of Frías and the spectacular Tobera Waterfall. Dinner and overnight in Espinosa de los Monteros, a beautiful town in Burgos Province's Las Merindades region.
Day 2 – Espinosa de los Monteros to Cistierna
Over breakfast the train travels to Mataporquera. A coach then follows Palencia's Romanesque Route — part of the Camino de Santiago — through Carrión de los Condes, Frómista, and Saldaña, with free time before visiting the Canal of Castile and the Romanesque Church of San Martín. In the afternoon, the Roman villa of La Olmeda with its magnificent mosaic collection awaits before the train continues to Cistierna for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 – Cistierna to León
Breakfast on board as the train travels to San Feliz, then a coach transfer to the city of León. A guided tour takes in the old town, the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro, and the soaring Gothic Cathedral. Free time before the journey concludes at approximately 14:00.
from €1,150 per person (double occupancy)
Detailed itinerary & questions →
Enquire about this itinerary
La Robla – León to Bilbao
+
Setting out from León's FEVE station, this reverse journey reveals the dramatic Hoces de Vegacervera gorge, the cave wonders of Valporquero, the finest Romanesque art of Castile, and a final morning arrival into Bilbao with a visit to the world-renowned Guggenheim museum.
Day 1 – León to Cistierna
Luggage check-in from 13:30 at León's FEVE Station. A coach transfers guests to San Feliz to board El Expreso de La Robla, followed by a journey to Matallana and then by coach through the spectacular Hoces de Vegacervera gorge to the caves of Valporquero — famous for their stalactites, stalagmites, and the immense 100,000 m³ underground chamber known as the Gran Rotonda. The train then heads to Cistierna for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 – Cistierna to Espinosa de los Monteros
Breakfast on board as the train travels to Guardo, Palencia. A coach visits the Roman Villa of La Olmeda and its magnificent mosaic collection, then the Romanesque treasures of Carrión de los Condes and Frómista — including the impressive San Martín temple and the Castilla Canal — with lunch en route. The train continues to Espinosa de los Monteros, a beautiful village in the Burgos area of Las Merindades, for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 – Espinosa de los Monteros to Bilbao
Enjoy breakfast while the train crosses the breath-taking landscape of the Mena Valley on its approach to Bilbao. Guests then visit the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum with free time to explore the city before the journey concludes at approximately 14:00.
from €1,150 per person (double occupancy)
Detailed itinerary & questions →
Enquire about this itineraryDeparture Dates
| Date | Direction / Route | From | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 | Bilbao → León | €1,300 per person (double) / €2,200 (single) | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 25 Sep 2026 | León → Bilbao | €1,300 per person (double) / €2,200 (single) | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 4 Jun 2027 | Bilbao to León | — | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 11 Jun 2027 | León to Bilbao | — | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 18 Jun 2027 | Bilbao to León | — | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 25 Jun 2027 | León to Bilbao | — | Available | Reserve → |
| Wed, 7 Jul 2027 | Oviedo circular (round trip) | — | Available | Reserve → |
| Wed, 21 Jul 2027 | Oviedo circular (round trip) | — | Available | Reserve → |
| Wed, 28 Jul 2027 | Oviedo circular (round trip) | — | Available | Reserve → |
| Tue, 17 Aug 2027 | Oviedo circular (round trip) | — | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 3 Sep 2027 | Bilbao to León | — | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 10 Sep 2027 | León to Bilbao | — | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 17 Sep 2027 | Bilbao to León | — | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 24 Sep 2027 | León to Bilbao | — | Available | Reserve → |
Cabins & Prices
| Cabin / Suite | Basis | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | per person, double occupancy | € 1,150 |
| Cabin | per person, single occupancy | € 2,000 |
| Cabin | per person, double occupancy (2026) | € 1,300 |
| Cabin | per person, single occupancy (2026) | € 2,200 |
Prices are indicative and subject to change and availability. Contact us for the latest rates and offers.
Destinations on This Journey
In-depth guides to the places you'll visit — what to see and where to eat at each stop.
Questions About the El Expreso de la Robla
What kind of scenery will I actually see between Bilbao and León?+
What's included in the fare, and what should I budget separately for?+
How far in advance should I book, and how do I check current availability and pricing?+
Read the full El Expreso de la Robla Journal — 23 questions answered →